π’Β π’ Happy to share that I have cleared βAWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associateβ certification earlier in the week. ποΈΒ ποΈ
This certification was on my radar from a long time, so around 4-6 weeks back, I decided to prepare and take it off the list. β
Why this certification?
While working on Salesforce engagements, we sometimes do get opportunities to work on AWS. Also, considering most of the customers are using AWS and implementing more of Amazon Connect or Integration with AWS, itβs very helpful to know the best practices and solution architecture on AWS side as well.
I have had multiple opportunities to work on some of the AWS services in the past but with this certification, Iβve learnt a lot about so many of AWS Services (which AWS team are adding on continuously) and best practices of implementation on AWS.
How did I prepare for this certification?
Here Iβm trying to list the key steps which I followed to clear this certification
Step 0 - Get ready to study π
Spending 1-2 hours per day in last ~4-6 weeks was good enough for me to get ready & sit in the exam. As I had opportunities to work on AWS in past and that experience definitely helped me scored well in the exam.
Step 1 - Take on the AWS Certified: Solutions Architect Challenge
When I decided to sign up for this exam, I saw AWS Certified: Solutions Architect Challenge on AWS Certification page where AWS team was giving 50% off on the certification cost (even better π) if any candidates plans to attempt the exam before 4th December 2021 (Iβm sure this challenge will be available next year for future candidates). Check out the link below:
Get AWS Certified: Solutions Architect Challenge
Step 2 - Study & Practice Time
Majorly, Iβve followed an awesome course by Stephane Maarek on Udemy which is more than enough
- to understand the exam, what you need to know about key AWS Services
- follow along & understand how he does the hands-on on all AWS Services (free and paid services). Also, do your own hands-on, in your free AWS account which I did to clarify some concepts.
- Also there is a practice exam in this course which is very helpful for a knowledge check.
- Go through the white papers and AWS Documentation on need basis.
Checkout his course here on Udemy:
Step 3 - Study more π
Also, as part of the AWS Power Hour: Architecting, team at AWS (i.e. Erica Vismer and Olga Posopkina) were running weekly sessions on different topics of the exams which were helpful to watch offline following the on-demand links. Check out their recordings on Twitch TV here.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) - Cloud Computing Services
Step 4 - Practice Tests π§βπ
When I signed up on AWS Certified Solutions Architect- Associate Challenge, AWS sent me a beta exam on AWS BenchPrep Certification Practice which had a practice exam with matching difficulty level of questions in the certification. This was very helpful.
In the end, I also completed free Exam Readiness: AWS Certified Solutions Architect β Associate (Digital) provided by AWS. This was good for a quick revision of the content before sitting in the exam.
Step 5 - Sit in the exam π
- Book your exam in advance as it will give you clear deadline to work with and time box all things going on around the preparation time.
- Once you start the exam, maintain the right pace to answer the questions from the start itself. As time will pass, questions may become lengthy & complex, hence keep your pace from the start.
- Finally, in the end see if you can review your questions where you had any doubts.
Hopefully these tips and trick will help you get on this certification and crack it. All the best!! π¦Έ